I’m Mary Mazza, a third-generation Italian-American.

I had to come all the way here, to my small ancestral village nestled in the Reventino mountains, to find my best friend: Santina!

Since February 2020, when we met for the first time, we’ve been sharing thoughts and dreams, building a healthy and lasting friendship day by day—unbothered by distance, culture, or language differences.  With kindness, Santina corrects my grammar and pronunciation mistakes. She tells me stories of her ancestors, describing what life used to be like here—childhood memories and unforgettable tales passed down by her grandparents.

…And she cooks!

Santina grew up in this beautiful village. She spent more than ten years away, studying and working around Italy, before returning in 2000 to start her professional career as an administrative employee at a local company, all while continuing to teach.

With her, I share ideas, perspectives, projects—and I bake sourdough bread!

Together with my husband, JT Smith—without whom none of this would have been possible—we truly make an extraordinary team!